Do you need a Novi Divorce Lawyer?

Our divorce lawyer Novi knows divorces are emotional and challenging which can lead to potential poor judgment calls. Not only are you not in the right frame of mind for a healthy, stable relationship, but it can also affect your legal standing in the divorce.

If you are considering a divorce, don’t deal with the matter alone. Seeking the advice of an experienced divorce lawyer is always the best course of action.

Call us today at (248) 650-0055 to find out how our Novi lawyers can help you.

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. was born in Macomb County, Michigan and attended Utica Community Schools before graduating from Michigan State University (1986) and Michigan State College of Law (1989), previously Detroit College of Law (DCL).

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Excellent

Based on 80 reviews

Carol Zachrich

July 25, 2023.

Great experience! This team has the estate planning process down to a science. Very efficient, timely and responsive. Appreciate their expertise and demeanor. Highly recommend!

Christopher Lee

June 23, 2023.

This is where you want to go for wills, trusts, or family estate planning. It was quick, thorough, organized, and pleasant. I only wish I could give them a 6th star.

Tony Parrish

June 19, 2023.

In August of 2022, Sumner & Associates helped us with Estate Planning for my husband and I. We were impressed that they didn't blink an eye when asked by an LGBTQ couple. Important that I mention this for others looking for good representation. The team was thorough and provided good tips based on the law. Thank you Scott, Sarah, and Rori!

eric bentley

June 17, 2023.

Highly recommended! They were very easy to work with and very informative about all our questions. The entire process went smoothly.

Nitin Shah

May 10, 2023.

This office is awesome and I really the way their process and they explained me the step by step process to go for will documentation. When we visited the office to sign final document it was very transparent and clear process and was done quickly. Thanks to Sarah for coordinating and communicating each and every steps clearly and timely.

Edward Sezniak

March 13, 2023.

Will and Trust. Service was very well organized and guided us through the writing of a will and establishment of a trust. We also established durable power of attorney and advanced health care directives. The purpose and function of each device was clearly explained along with the roles and responsibilities of the different participants. Competitively and fairly priced.

Marilyn Sezniak

March 12, 2023.

Their reference materials did a good job of explaining the difference between a Will and a Trust. The process had steps that demonstrated progression toward completion of the documents and status was communicated along the way. Sara and Scott were thorough, friendly and answered all of our questions. The final documents are organized in a binder that has a very professional appearance. I highly recommend Sumner & Associates.

Dave Kishimoto

January 5, 2023.

Always detailed & accurate and takes the time to explain. Updates were quick and easy.

Linda Toussaint

January 3, 2023.

We were very impressed with the attention to details while preparing our trust. I would highly recommend Mr. Sumner and his staff are professional and curious.

Jason Kim

January 2, 2023.

Wife and I went to get our will and trust made. The staff was very polite. Scott was very thorough and informative with everything. Made the process smooth and easy!

Frequently Asked Questions for Divorce Lawyer Novi

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?
Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?
My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?

As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will be required to engage in financial disclosure. Financial disclosure means that you and your spouse will reveal to each other, through your attorneys, all of your assets and debt. Your attorney will review this information and may require additional information. If your attorney believes it is required, more extensive information can be gained by using interrogatories (written questions) or depositions (oral questions in person). Your attorney can also use the Subpoena power of the court to get documents from third parties, such as banks or employers.

Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?

No. The name on the title for the property does not control who will get the property in the end. In a divorce property is broken out into at least three parts- Marital property, Pre-marital property & Separate property. Marital property is typically earned during the marriage and this share is divided equally between the marital partners. Pre-marital property is property earned before the marriage and kept separate from the other spouse during the marriage. A good example of premarital property would be the balance in a 401k retirement account one spouse had, before the marriage. Each party is entitled to keep their premarital interest. Separate property is property owned by one spouse without having any marital contribution. A good example of separate property is inheritance that has been maintained in a separate account from their spouse. If it is true separate property and has not been mixed or commingled with marital property, then that spouse can take their separate property without claim from the other.

My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

Michigan is a no fault divorce state. That means that one spouse does not have to find or name a fault as a cause for the divorce. All one needs to do is meet the State of Michigan’s residency requirements and file a complaint for divorce. If either party wants to pursue the issue of adultery or abuse, remember this is a lawsuit in a court of law and evidence and proof will be required. Even if evidence and proof are shown, it may not affect your settlement. However, in cases where a spouse has expended marital finances to conduct or maintain an extramarital affair, those assets can be allocated to your spouse’s share or adjusted, in the final settlement. Sometimes bad acts such as abuse or adultery can result in a disproportionate settlement, due to the bad behavior of one spouse who causes the breakdown.

Divorce Lawyer Novi